An article retrieved online from USA TODAY, began:
South Sudan: 34,000 seeking shelter from violence
Charlton Doki and Jason Straziuso, Associated Press11:14 a.m. EST December 20, 2013
JUBA, South Sudan (AP) — The president of South Sudan implored his country to turn away from ethnic hatred on Friday and said that “the long arm of the law” would find those who have killed during a week of violence.
President Salva Kiir met with foreign ministers from neighboring states, including Kenya and Ethiopia, who flew into Juba, the capital, to help calm tensions after a week of ethnic strife that is estimated to have killed hundreds.
The United Nations said Friday that 34,000 people continue to seek refuge at U.N. bases in three locations across the country, including 20,000 at two bases in the capital.
Emails received from our ministry partner, Bishop Abraham Nhial give a more personal view. On Tuesday, Dec. 17 he wrote:
Dear all,
I would like to inform you all that there was fighting in Juba, South Sudan for last two days… As I am sending you this email to pray for us, we already lost 12 people, more then 130 people are wounded, many are still missing and many people are been displaced. No one believe what has happened in South Sudan because South Sudan is a nation just came out from the longest suffering …
…Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers, so that we can celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ peacefully. God bless you all!
An update came yesterday(Thursday):
Sent: 12/19/2013 1:04:54 P.M. Eastern Standard Time
Subj: URGENT PRAYERS FOR SOUTH SUDAN
Dear all,
I want to thank you all for your prayers. Your prayers did change things in Juba. Praise the Lord! But, I want to ask you all to continue praying for people of Bor town who were attacked last night and they are now scattered. I believe that even though our beloved nation is in conflict God is in control and this conflict will soon come to an end. Pray for our leaders to be guided by our God so that they make wise decision.
Also, you all have been concern where I am now, I was celebrated early Christmas with my family in Kenya and I was to go back to South Sudan on December 18 but this conflict broke out in Juba. I was to go back today to South Sudan but I was told that there are no flights operating from Juba to Aweil. Also, my beloved pastors advised me not to come now. I thank them for their love and concern they have for me. So I am here in Kenya with my wife and children. We are safe but my heart is with people in South Sudan…
…Please may you, your family, and your Church join us on this coming Sunday on December 22 to pray for peace, wisdom to our leaders, those who lost their lives, and families affected to be comfort by God.
Please keep me your prayers and all the Bishops so that we can delivered God’s message to His people at this time. Thank you all for your prayers. God bless you all and Merry Christmas.
Yours in Christ,
Bishop Abraham Nhial
